The state has revoked the explosives license of a Castleton slate quarry operator, saying a July blasting operation that damaged neighboring properties showed he was “a risk to public safety.”
The Department of Public Safety revoked on Oct. 29 the license issued to David Camara Jr. of Poultney, identified in state business records as president of Vermont Unfading Green Slate Co.
State fire marshals found that Camara acted improperly in a July 16 blasting operation in Castleton, according to his revocation letter from Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling. Camara didn’t notify neighbors about the planned operation, he didn’t use a blasting mat, which prevents flying rocks, and he didn’t provide pre-blast warning signals, reads the letter that was made public Monday.
The blast that summer day caused rocks to fly a significant distance onto adjacent properties along Blissville Road and Mary Lane, causing damage to fencing, yards and the roof and ceiling of a house.
Castleton Police Chief Peter Mantello, who assisted in the investigation, said earlier that the rocks came from Camara Slate, whose quarry is just west of Route 30.
Schirling said Camara had admitted fault in the incident.
The commissioner said the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration issued Camara a citation, noting a violation had occurred and substantial injury was likely.
“Luckily no one was injured,” Schirling told Camara in the letter. “You have demonstrated a risk to public safety, and I no longer find you competent to handle and use explosives safely.”
Schirling said Camara has 15 days to appeal the decision. He could still get relicensed if he undergoes the necessary training and examination.
When reached by phone on Tuesday, Camara declined comment.
Community reactions
Jayne Nicklaws, a neighborhood resident whose lawn and dog fence were damaged in the July 16 blast, said she appreciates the state’s action. But she is worried someone else will just take over the blasting work; she has observed that the quarry has several blasting operators.
“Who will hold them accountable?” Nicklaws said. “I’m scared to death for my life.”
State police acknowledged that another person with an explosives license could conduct blasting operations at the same site — whether a company employee or an outsider specifically hired for the job.
“It does not preclude another person from coming in,” said Capt. David Petersen, the Vermont State Police bomb squad commander.
Should area residents have further complaints about Camara’s quarrying operation, Petersen said, they should reach out to local law enforcement, which will coordinate with state authorities.
The Castleton police chief said Camara has been issued warnings in the past, but the revocation of his explosives license is the strongest action the public safety department has taken to date.
“Did I expect it? No. Did I hope it would happen? Yes,” said Mantello, the town police chief.
After the July 16 blast, Mantello said he tried to arrange a meeting between Camara and residents within the “blast area.” He wanted to help open lines of communication within the community, but Mantello said Camara didn’t return his calls.
